What I wish I knew before buying a Blaze King Wood Stove

Nothing beats wood heat so when I had the opportunity to put in a Blaze King wood stove in my home, I didn't hesitate. I love my Blaze King, BUT, I learned a lot from owning one personally. Here's what I wish I knew about Blaze King before buying one.
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[@spirited1puppetmastered917]

I had a BK Princess in our last house, installed it in 2004 and used to heat our 2x 1200 sq ft home for 20 years (Oct- April). It was awesome, never had a catalytic issue and only had to use furnace back up if it got below -25 celcius. We live in BC interior and ran it on Douglas fir. Make sure your wood is seasoned for a year to reduce carbon in chimney and get longer burn times. I wood fill it in the am, after work and before bed. It is also the best ski gear /sled gear drying machine ever. Clean chimney every year. I ran it with the flue closed 90% once the initial 20-30 min temp run up. I found that 8 hr refill kept house at a maintainable temp all winter so I wouldn't have to restart fire. Now we are renoing another home and looking at the Boxer style, hope it works like the last one did. The only issue I had was the knob for the flue was cheap and broke.

[@jim9337]

I've run a Blaze King Princes for the past 10 0r 12 years, never had a problem. I'm up country where winter actually happens, and my stove can cook me out at -30c. I wouldn't consider getting rid of my Blaze King. I like not stoking my fire in the middle of the night, just a great stove.

[@cameroncontractingltd]

Completely agree, we wouldn't go with anything else

[@YeoYolo]

I just moved into a place that has one, and I love it. It was weird needing to read a manual to run it right as I was used to "normal" wood stoves, but it's really cool how it works. I'm currently cleaning my catalyst and I wish I read the WHOLE manual as I only read the startup and burn guide. Not the you have to test the catalyst paragraph😂 so when it wasn't getting as hot as usual and the temp outside is 5°f to -9°f recently, I whipped out that manual 😂 now imma learn how to clean and hopefully not learn how to replace🫠

[@KenWeston]

I live where sometimes real winter happens in Western Oregon1250 feet, and I have a Blaze King King for the past 15+ years . I don't "need" a firebox this big, but because it can "sip" the wood, I can fill up the fire box and wake up late on a Saturday and still have a fire left. I've replaced the catalyst once, and it was just not running as well - not dead. I blame the weak fires we often do because it's often just not that cold outside. 1700 sq ft house. Do I need a stove this big? No. Would I buy this the big one again? Absolutely. When it got down to 9 and stayed in the teens with a lot of wind - we stayed toasty. Power goes out? Still toasty. It's great.

[@Bakershouse]

My Blaze King shows a beautiful flame, with every burn. Regardless of wether or not I Running the catalyst or not. Also, have had it for 6 years with constant use, have not had to replace the Catalyst yet. Blaze King is top notch!!

[@ricardod70]

Thank you for the super helpful video and setting up my expectations. I have a Blaze King Chinook 20.2 on order. My current non-catalyst stove produces beautiful looking fires (Wittus Trendline) but I am so tired of constantly loading the thing up every few hours. I just want to go to sleep and not have to re-start a fire from cold again in the morning. I would gladly trade the "pretty picture" fire for the extended performance offered by a Blaze King.

[@cameroncontractingltd]

Completely agree! How long would you actually kick back and watch the fire. Maybe an hour or 2, just open a window and crank the stat up! Best of both worlds

[@herrprepper2070]

Northwest Wyoming here. Our BK “Princess Catalytic” stove is close to 20 years old and still has the original catalytic unit. We don’t use the stove all that much, so it’s probably got the equivalent of two to four winter’s steady use on it. Sometimes the catalytic unit is cherry red.. other times totally dark… so I go by the temperature rather than appearance. I have a new catalytic unit still in the box, so I’m prepared for the eventuality of replacement. We burn native pine mostly, although a few years ago on a trip back East, I hauled my 8’ X 12’ box trailer with me and brought back a couple tons of seasoned oak from Wisconsin. I use the oak strictly to get a good base of embers, then switch to pine. Biggest issue I have is draft. The stove is on the lowest level of our three level log home, with an exterior Selkirk double insulated stainless steel chimney. On a cold start, I use a heat gun to warm up the stove, then burn some newspaper to get a draft going. There’s a large outcropping about 100 feet North of the house… and when the wind is out of the North, the wind sweeps over the hill, then drops down on the chimney from above… making it hard to keep a draft going sometimes. I put a “VAC-U- STACK” cap on the chimney, which helps… plus I overpressure the house by cracking a window on the windward side of the house. Still, when the North wind is really blowing, I usually don’t even try to use the stove. I’m looking at a Gemi Elettronica Chimney Fan Fireplace For Round Flue 20 cm 200 mm Steel model Exhaust Fan Flue Fan Chimney Draft Inducer as a solution. Using a “Condor” flue gas temperature unit, I strive to maintain a stack temperature of 600 degrees, but on the advice of a topnotch stove and chimney man… I run it up to around 1,100 degrees a couple times a week for an hour or two. I have a good German-made chimney brush, but I’ve found by running that 1,100 temperature regularly, I get no chimney buildup at all.

[@cameroncontractingltd]

awesome to hear from happy long term owners!

[@trcass1]

great segment. Ive been looking at the King for some time but i realize its too big for my 1200 sq ft main level. I've thought about the Princess as its smaller and has a 6 inch flue. I've had a couple of CAT stoves from other manufacturers years ago but didn't like them. CATs got clogged or sometimes my wood wasn't the best. I have two stoves in the house now. on the main level i have a Jotul F3CB that works well and has a secondary burn. i love it. I have a Pacific Energy Summit down in the basement that i light when we get a cold snap of 20 degrees or below. it really helps out. the key to any successful wood burning is seasoning and moisture content. I try and have two seasons on hand and in the shed. I've divided in half and get a season or more out of each side. appreciate you taking the time to run through the stove.

[@cameroncontractingltd]

absolutely agree, our pleasure

[@collumjm]

This is my second year with my BlazeKing Princess32 and I love it. I'm still learning with it, but wouldn't want any other stove.

[@tomdieck4667]

2nd year for us too we love ours.. went from $3000 yr for lp to about 600 in firewood 6 cord yr and 150 200 in lp for stove, dryer and a little gas furnace supplement now and again.

[@phuquetwo]

I just wish my princess insert had an outside air kit available like the non insert models have. Then my feet wouldnt be freezing as the cold air rushes from any leaky spots in the house to the stove.

[@WoodstockG54]

Thanks. Going to get one.

[@elmerfudd7674]

I bought one couple years ago. Actually asked questions and got answers before I bought it. Quite a concept huh??

[@scottfurlong5475]

I've got a Sirocco 30.2 ordered. Our Pacific energy super 27 is fantastic but it will be great to turn down the heat a little more and use less wood. My expectations are high ish.

[@440tomcat]

I like my secondary wood stove. I control my burn have a nice fire view all day and night, don't have any issues with starting a fire in the morning. I use half the wood as my old regular wood stove that was a name brand but nothing but a steel square with no brick..

[@stevegaines-vq3bd]

I had to get a new wood stove 2 years ago & now feel i made a mistake by buying a Buck # 74.....3,000.xx at Lowe's.....Main compliant is the firebox isn't large enough...

[@vision12009]

New to Blaze King; new house in Northern CA USA and really appreciate the short but sweet detailed info. Great video. Thanks for posting. I’ve made most of the mistakes. One quick question: If I understand you correctly, I ‘’should see’’ my catalytic converter glowing red? I thought that was too hot - as my temp dial was past the zone on the thermostat - and the previous owners [house is barely one year old] didn’t leave much detail on the function. Thanks for your time and input!!

[@cameroncontractingltd]

Definitely normal for the cat to be glowing, however when burning cold you can't see it for sure. So depends an how much heat your calling for. Mine generally glows at about the 330-4 o'clock position up. Hope this helps!

[@cjyetter4494]

Great video, I just got a Blaze King Ashford 2 months age. I'm glad to see the "angel wings" are normal, I was concerned about it. My combustor rarely glows red unless it really burning hot, near the high end of the active zone, is that something to worry about?

[@cameroncontractingltd]

nothing to worry about, in the regular operating zone you may not see the glow. I wasn't overly clear with that part of the video. when I first fired mine up I was expecting a roaring fire so I had the thermostat maxed out not realizing it was normal not to see a firebox full of fire when it awesomewasnt demanding a lot of heat!

[@rat8356]

fine and dandy if you have 15% moisture content wood

[@larrybulthouse455]

Blaze king queen and princess best stoves made

[@brianshishnia3278]

Although I realize the actual type of metal is important I am finding some wood stove and wood stove inserts are 16 gauge, 18 gauge and even 24 gauge steel. All three gauges seem to thin. I've reached out to Blaze King but have not had a response yet. What is the thickness of the Blaze King Sirocco 25 insert fire box? Thank you!

[@frankmaggard7123]

I don't know the gauge but my Blaze King has held up for 20 years and still going with no problem. Burn consistently from end of October to March.

[@cameroncontractingltd]

I just measured up or floor model the firebox on the sirocco insert is 1/4" steel, making it 3 gauge, and the flu is 3/16 or 7 gauge. hope this helps!

[@brianshishnia3278]

@@cameroncontractingltd Interesting, thank you! I'll have to reach out to Blaze King again... called them a week or so ago and was told the fire box is 16 gauge steel. I did specifically ask them what the fire box thickness is.

[@ghilreese3413]

Informative video. I have a BK King. Yesterday I was having problems controlling my temp. I was running my control about 2 o'clock to keep it safe. I'm pretty sure my spring has given up. It is 10 years old or older. Do you take the cover off and replace the control unit? Thanks for any help. Best stove going.

[@cameroncontractingltd]

Yes, the manual goes over this and pretty easy to swap out. Blaze king has all the manuals you'll need with part numbers if you need a replacement, don't hesitate to call the store if you need any help, or locating a dealer near you.

[@kennyp507]

You can just turn the air control and listen for the click, the click signifies that its working as intended, it may just have some debris and need lube. Check the door gasket using the dollar bill test, close door and pull the dollar bill, you should feel a lot of resistance if your gasket is good and tight, if not adjust the door or replace the gasket. If its and older stove >10yrs, remove the rear cover, and check for rotted metal, the stove has thin steal and eventually rots through due to creosote build up. Best practice is to remove the inside side bricks, shine a flashlight inside and in a dark room look for any light escaping

[@vision12009]

We have the 24.1 by the way

[@michaelaxtell592]

I wish i knew this was a week disguised commercial before i watched it. If these stoves are so good though why can't i find anywhere to buy 1?

[@cameroncontractingltd]

shoot me an email I can help find one for you if interested, [e-mail] if you want to take a look at what blaze king has to offer check them out at fireplacesbycameron.ca/collections/blaze-king

[@domenicsilletti8871]

Did you say you remove and clean your catalyst once a month? That would mean changing the gasket once a month, correct?

[@cameroncontractingltd]

To clarify I do a visual inspection monthly Rarely would I pull the cat out unless I noticed an issue or gasket deteriorating

[@wizard7889]

Im more interested in the flames for viewing pleasure, are you saying that Blaze King will not be for me?

[@cameroncontractingltd]

There is 2 ways to look at it, if it's strictly for the aesthetics, you would want to turn the thermostat up to a point it will likely be uncomfortable in your room in no time, however that is how a non catalyst stove would burn normally. And when it is being used for heat keep it in the normal heating range. However if you aren't planning on heating with it no, blazeking is really meant to burn and keep running. There is better options at a better price and will better suit your needs.

[@thesingleacrefarm6494]

Can you cook on them?

[@williamblair2934]

Can you cook on the stove top?

[@cameroncontractingltd]

Certainly wouldn't suggest it. Could you yes, in a pinch you could. However you would likely have to crank the thermostat up to get the heat out of it you would want to cook.

[@joeshaffer2506]

From what I hear there the best unfortunately I do not have one live in northern Ohio every place went to don’t sell the blaze king?

[@cameroncontractingltd]

Feel free to reach out directly we can locate a dealer and find a solution for you! fireplacesbycameron.ca/pages/contact

[@cameroncontractingltd]

Feel free to reach out directly we can locate a dealer and find a solution for you! fireplacesbycameron.ca/pages/contact

[@cameroncontractingltd]

Feel free to reach out directly we can locate a dealer and find a solution for you! fireplacesbycameron.ca/pages/contact

[@cameroncontractingltd]

Feel free to reach out directly we can locate a dealer and find a solution for you! fireplacesbycameron.ca/pages/contact

[@cameroncontractingltd]

Feel free to reach out directly we can locate a dealer and find a solution for you! fireplacesbycameron.ca/pages/contact

[@dalekrinke2674]

The reason you don’t see the fire like a traditional stove is because it’s a gasified.

[@williamkinney5019]

Catalytic combustor over rated. Removed mine from my blaze king and there is no difference in burning performance.

[@cameroncontractingltd]

sounds to me you don't know how to engage the bypass door?

[@aaronj8600]

Anyone burn Ponderosa in their BK stove?

[@q7winq7]

1-31-2024 - - - What I wish I knew after watching this video: how much all these stoves cost. Answer from the video - no answer.

[@brucea550]

$3-5,000 They aren’t cheap! Plus the installation and pipe. Add another $1,000+. But if you buy wood then over time it will cost less than a basic woodstove.

[@q7winq7]

@@brucea550 - - - I'm sure your answer is a good one. I think the vendor of those stoves should state their prices up front rather than forcing people to search the manufacturer's price list. About 44 years ago I bought a basic Sears wood burner and pipe chimney for under $400 all together and installed it myself. Not that hard to do with basic construction skills and a few hand tools. As a 78 year old person now I can't justify the cost for one of those stoves - I probably wouldn't live long enough to recover the cost difference. Cheers.

[@brucea550]

@@q7winq7 Ha! You know something is expensive when they focus on everything BUT the price! This ‘what I wish I knew’ video is simply advertising, though definitely informative. Blazeking stoves are apparently all sold through dealers, so the company shields the dealers by not having any set price, thus each dealer can set their own. I have acres of trees, so firewood costs only my time, and what little I spend on gas and oil for the chainsaw and such. I enjoy cutting and splitting wood, and love the radiant heat! My stove is also about 40 years old and less efficient than a Blazeking I’m sure, but because my wood is ‘free’ in a sense, I too would never recover the cost difference. What I’m looking at though, is that as I age, I may wish to reduce how much wood I need to handle every year, and if that efficiency gained me 50% it might be worth it for that reason alone.

[@Frankybroadcast]

Dude. You sound exactly like Seth Rogen.

[@cameroncontractingltd]

not the first time ive heard that! 😂

[@wobdeehomestead]

Great stove but very pricey!

[@spacecowboy5565]

THE CATALYTIC WOOD STOVE SUCKS

[@russelmuldowney8736]

49 seconds in. I'm out